UK to Intensify Military Planning for Ukraine Support
The United Kingdom is set to escalate military planning to support Ukraine in the coming week, with Downing Street indicating that all options, including the deployment of ground forces, remain under consideration.
Troop Deployment Contingency
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer stated that a substantial number of personnel would be required to assist Ukraine should a ceasefire and peace agreement with Russia be reached. This support could be delivered by sea, land, or air.
“We will continue to increase the tempo and scope of operational planning with further meetings at our Northwood headquarters as we examine in greater detail the structure of any future force,” the spokesperson added.
Assessing Military Capabilities
Planning considerations include determining the optimal capabilities to address the specific threats facing Ukraine. It is understood that not all coalition countries will possess resources suitable for Ukraine but may have capabilities for other deployments. This could potentially free up nations better equipped to deploy to Ukraine.
Logistical and Strategic Considerations
The intensive planning phase is expected to assess the feasibility of redeploying British personnel from existing missions to support Ukraine. Concurrently, forces from allied nations could backfill these vacated positions.
International Coordination Meeting in Paris
These plans are scheduled for discussion over three days next week, culminating in a subsequent meeting in Paris on Thursday. This meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” prepared to support Ukraine, was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Coalition to Solidify Deployment Plans
Officials from the coalition will “intensify the pace and scale of efforts to solidify proposals for potential troop deployment across land, air, or sea to secure any peace accord,” according to a Downing Street representative.
International Participation in Planning
Starmer convened a meeting on Thursday with officers from 31 nations involved in strategizing the practical implementation of the coalition. Participating countries included France, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Canada, and Australia.
Warning to Russia
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister cautioned that Vladimir Putin would face “grave repercussions” for any violation of a truce.
All Options Remain Open
When questioned about whether the focus of discussions had shifted away from the possibility of deploying ground troops to Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson clarified: “No, nothing is off the table on any of these fronts, so I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
“It is evident that a significant contingent of personnel will be necessary to support any deployment, regardless of whether it is by sea, land, or air.”
Focus on Comprehensive Support
The Financial Times previously reported on Thursday that Starmer’s emphasis had shifted to land and sea-based support, highlighting Ukraine’s existing capabilities, personnel numbers, and frontline experience.
Starmer emphasized that deployment would necessitate substantial logistical support, including establishing the “basic logistics of moving personnel and ensuring deployment rotations.” He reiterated the need to prepare for all possibilities.
Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Delegations from Kyiv, Moscow, and the United States are anticipated to convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday for continued peace negotiations.
International Pressure on Russia
Simultaneously, European and Commonwealth allies are seeking to exert pressure on the Russian president, as he has not fully accepted a US and Ukraine-backed agreement. These allies are also working to ensure a peacekeeping plan is in place should an agreement be reached.
Ceasefire Violations Alleged
While Moscow has agreed to temporarily halt strikes on Ukrainian power infrastructure following a call between Putin and US President Donald Trump, Kyiv reports that civilian targets, including hospitals, have since been attacked.
Discussions with EU and Non-EU Nations
Starmer was also scheduled to speak with non-EU countries and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday to discuss updates from EU-level discussions.
Hope for Lasting Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that a “durable peace can be achieved this year” after a phone conversation with Trump on Tuesday. However, he reportedly declined a suggestion that Washington assume ownership of Ukrainian power plants to guarantee their security.